Derbyshire teenager completes 160km horse ride in just two days

Hollie Brewell took on the challenge at Pembrey in Wales, riding around 80km each day over forest tracks, beach, dunes, sand, stony paths and deep boggy ground.

Hollie, who rides with Endurance GB, was partnered by her nine-year-old chestnut Arab gelding Cotswolds Shaquille, known at home as “Sharqui”. The pair successfully passed all veterinary checks during the weekend, with Sharqui finishing the final vetting with an “A” for action — a mark of how well he was moving after completing the distance.

Endurance riding is a long-distance equestrian sport where horse and rider follow a marked route across the countryside. It is not simply a race; horse welfare is central to the sport, with veterinary inspections before, during and after the ride to make sure horses are fit, healthy and happy to continue.

Endurance GB is the National Governing Body for endurance riding in England and Wales. The organisation runs rides across the country, with distances ranging from short social rides for beginners to top-level 160km competitions.

For Hollie, completing her first two-day 160km ride was a huge personal milestone.

“It feels amazing; it’s not quite sunk in yet,” said Hollie. “I didn’t think I had it in me, so it’s made me realise I can do things when I set my mind to it.”

One of Hollie’s biggest worries before the ride was the beach section, after a previous fall on a beach at The Wirral left her with concussion. However, at Pembrey, the beach became one of her favourite parts of the weekend.

“My biggest challenge was going onto the beach for the first time and seeing if Sharqui would be OK,” said Hollie. “But my favourite part actually was the beach for both of us, and Sharqui really looked forward to it each time we were riding up the dunes.”

Sharqui, a 15.2hh purebred Arab, has been with Hollie for almost three years. He originally came from a dressage background with very little hacking experience, but has developed into a successful endurance horse. Hollie and Sharqui have steadily progressed through the sport together, winning junior and young rider titles before stepping up to Advanced level this year.

The pair prepared for Pembrey with a careful build-up, including multi-day rides earlier in the season. Training at home around Belper includes plenty of hill work, quiet lanes and trips to places such as Carsington Reservoir and the High Peak Trail.

Hollie added: “He has stamina, a good attitude to his work and always tries his best for me. He picks me up when I’m struggling and likewise I help him if he’s struggling. It’s me and him out there — we have to work it out together.”

Sharqui completed the ride fully barefoot, meaning he wore no metal shoes. Hollie’s family carefully planned his hoof care and checked the route in advance to make sure he would be comfortable over the distance.

Hollie’s mum, Angela, said watching the partnership complete the ride was an emotional moment.

“I am so proud of the relationship they have built together,” said Angela. “They are both very motivated and determined, and they share a similar energy which makes them a great team.

“The most emotional moment was watching them emerge out of the forest at the end — not only emerging, but cantering along happily, with Sharqui’s ears pricked and still looking happy.”

Hollie first experienced endurance riding as a baby, joining her mum on a three-mile pleasure ride in a basket saddle when she was just six months old. She later started riding independently on her Welsh Section A pony, Thumbelina, before joining Endurance GB with the Derbyshire Group.

Now, at just 14, Hollie hopes her story will encourage more young riders to try the sport.

Her advice is simple: “Do it! But warn your mum and dad, as it’s addictive!”